Local airports are the future!

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is growing at a rapid pace. In fact, it's growing so quickly that they will soon reach their maximum aircraft movements per years and will no longer be permitted to expand any further. Schiphol is currently the third-busiest airport in Europe after Heathrow Airport in London and Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. If Schiphol wants to retain this position, certain measures will need to be taken including intensive collaborations with local airports. But what are the consequences of this type of collaboration for corporate travellers?

The growth of Schiphol

Once Schiphol reaches its limit, it is likely that a discussion will erupt amongst the parties involved. Political, social, economic and environmental arguments will be brought up and there is simply no way to predict what the outcomes of such a discussion will be. The fact remains that the growth of Schiphol is restricted by current conditions.

Local airports for holiday destinations

Using more local airports in the Netherlands more effectively may prove an alternative solution. Parallel to the growth of Schiphol, many developments have taken place at Lelystad Airport. The plans are to turn Lelystad airport into a mini-Schiphol that is focused on low-cost airlines and holiday destinations. Interesting developments are also taking place at Rotterdam The Hague Airport, Eindhoven Airport, Groningen Airport Eelde and Maastricht Aachen Airport to make/keep these airports attractive to low-cost airlines that travel to European holiday destinations.

Schiphol as a hub for far-off destinations

The division of destinations could be the solution for which Schiphol is looking. Local airports would take care of popular destination in Europe, while Schiphol would serve as a hub for far-off destinations and as a stop-over for long flights. This division will also benefit the corporate traveller. Local airports are smaller, making parking easier and cheaper. Distances in the airport itself are also shorter and checking in and security procedures are quicker. Corporate travellers travelling within Europe want to travel efficiently and local airports are perfectly equipped to provide this.

Another advantage of the division is that additional space for growth is created at Schiphol for far-off destinations and interesting growth-markets for corporate travellers. I see only a win-win situation in the continued growth of Schiphol and the collaboration with local airports. What do you think of these developments?